Ebay Sellers W/Return Policy Don't Have To Accept Returns

Well bummer, I guess my (180) Not Allowed - Auto-Removed link is not allowed. Okay, here's my posts:

I am currently trying to work through a situation that is the same as that described in the original post. Seller had 14 day return, seller argued with me when I tried to return the item, seller told me to file case, ebay decided in seller's favor. The seller even agreed to accept the item back but wanted me to express mail it as they were leaving town for 8 weeks and I needed to get it back to them before they left (this was 6 days after I received it). I have spoken to ebay Customer Service 4 times so far and each time the rep advised me that I will win the case. And yet, I lost the initial escalation after the rep advised me to escalate. Lost the appeal after the 2nd rep advised me to appeal before sending back the item, sent the item back after the third rep advised me that the case was decided against me because I hadn't returned it. The 4th rep has advised me to wait until it shows delivered and then I can file a secret, second last chance appeal apparently. Which, based on how things have gone so far, I will probably lose.

There is not an automated return process unless the seller has opted into ebay Managed Returns. It seems like there is a hole in ebay's policy that sellers can exploit.

AND

I was on the phone with ebay again last night and finally did get this resolved in my favor. After my case got escalated to the second line support, they were very helpful in explaining how things work. A few key points:

A seller does not have to accept returns even if they have a 14 day return policy. The 14 day return, contact seller to request a return is the default setting. Only in the case of the item not being as described (which is always arguable) can you return the item without the seller's consent. The rep I spoke to said he thought that was confusing and backwards, but that is the policy. If you want to be sure you can return an item, he recommended that you look for additional verbiage in the listing saying satisfaction guaranteed, returns accepted if not satisfied, etc. Sellers who opt in to the managed returns process are also going to be easier to return items to as by opting in, they are basically agreeing to accepting returns within the return timeframe.

Before you return an item, make sure you have a written agreement from the seller to accept the return. Without this, you will not get a refund, even if you have sent the item back. The only reason I won the case is because the seller had agreed to the return.

Once you have agreement from the seller, return the item with Delivery Confirmation before you escalate or appeal any open case. My situation was complicated by the fact that the seller made the return process difficult even after agreeing to the return. In retrospect, I should have just sent the item back the minute I got the return authorization and ignored any further comments from the seller.

Bottom line, just because a seller has a return policy does not guarantee you can return the item. This certainly changes my bidding strategy, especially on higher ticket items. In my 12+ years on ebay, I've only returned 4 items. Still, I will be less likely to bid now unless I am absolutely certain about an item or the seller more clearly indicates returns are not a problem. Lesson learned. Luckily it didn't cost me any $$$.

It was a Lincoln. The photo appeared as if the coin had nice red/brown toning but when received it was dipped and unnaturally red. My understanding was that a return policy meant you could return it for any reason so long as you were with the 14 days (in this case). In fact, ebay even states this but apparently it is a recommendation to sellers rather than required.

This is the first time I have ever had an issue. I know people take a lot of pride in their coins and so I try not to say too much when initially requesting a return. If asked, I will give my true assessment of the coin.

Power sellers may be required to maintain a 14 day return policy; however, whether to actually agree to accept the return or not is entirely at their discretion, If they don't agree, you have to prove Item Not as Described. That is what surprised me.

If a seller doesn't want to accept returns if the item is unsatisfactory, just say No Returns. That way I know not to bid.

That's kind of my point. In order to qualify for top rated/power seller and get a discount on your ebay fees you have to list with a 14 day return policy even if you don't accept returns. Dropping the return policy means loosing your top rated status and paying higher fees. Its a messed up system and yes it makes a mockery of the returns system. So if you see the top rated or power seller logo you know why it says 14 day returns.

Youll always be able to return something policy or not if its not what was pictured. I dont even bother to look for returns or not since if they lied about it ill be able to return it anyway.

Some of it is eBays fault for having such a generic option when listing as opposed to giving more options like return as seller choice. I agree with nohope that it does just kind of make it debacle out of trying to get the seller ratings.

The thing to remember with returns is the seller loses money on any return, they still eat the shipping cost. Its one thing to take a few dollar hit on coins that cost a 100 or more but if you have some that are 20 or 30 dollars it can just be easier to list no returns to save taking shipping hits and basically losing money on an item.

It just seems in general that people seem to have higher standards and expectations for ebay sales than what they would expect from a store. I'm not sure if its because people are bolder when you dont have the face to face interaction or what but ebay is nothing more than a store you dont have to drive too. Often times its just people selling extra stuff or things they upgraded that cant afford to be taking hits from returns so they wont just allow them no questions asked. Thats not directed at you in anyway Ken so dont take it the wrong way, just kind of a general commentary on what peoples expectations of ebay sales seem to be

I as a seller just ran into this problem! A buyer doesn't like the coins she got. I put in my description to judge by photos the grade of coin and she still bought it! She naught two other coins with decription that fit the coin such as die rotation and die clash! She started emailing me links to the coins an Canada website about the two varieties! I said I do not offer refunds and she will raise a case! I had a bad feeling about her from the start just based in her large purchase history in the passed few months so I sent her package registered mail signature required. I think she was trying to mess with the system and didn't expect that so this is her other option. I will let you all know how it works out!

My listing did say no returns! I told her to send back the coins because I do not want to worry about negative feedback! Scammers what I thing!